Abstract:

An image reading system reads an image of an original document by
conveying the original document through a fixed reading position along a
platen glass. The image reading system includes a conveyance device that
conveys the original document keeping a prescribed distance from the
platen glass at the reading position. The contact glass is arranged
outside a depth of focus at the reading position.

Claims:

1. An image reading system for reading an image of an original document,
comprising:a feeding device configured to feed an original document
toward a reading position; anda conveyance device configured to convey
the original document through the reading position on a platen glass in a
scanning process, said conveyance device keeping a prescribed distance
between the original document and the platen glass during the scanning
process;wherein said platen glass is arranged outside a depth of focus.

2. The image reading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveyance
device including;a guide belt configured to travel in a prescribed
direction with its surface facing the platen glass at the reading
position; andan absorption device configured to absorb the original
document to the guide belt.

5. The image reading system as claimed in claim 2, further including:a
first elevation device configured to elevate the guide belt to a
prescribed first height from the platen glass; anda thickness detection
device configured to detect a thickness of the original document;wherein
said guide belt is elevated and lowered in accordance with an output of
the detection device.

6. The image reading system as claimed in claim 2, further including a
second elevation device configured to elevate the guide belt to a
prescribed second height from the platen glass when a shading correction
operation is executed using the surface of the guide belt.

7. The image reading system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide belt
is retracted inside the image reading system when the guide belt is
exposed.

8. The image reading system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guide belt
is retracted inside the image reading system when the scanning process is
completed.

9. The image reading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conveyance
device further including:an up stream side guide member arranged up
stream of the reading position, said up stream side guide member
including a pair of upper and lower guide plates collectively
constituting an upstream side conveyance path; anda down stream side
guide member arranged downstream of the reading position, said downstream
side guide member including a pair of upper and lower guide plates
collectively constituting a downstream side conveyance path;wherein a
horizontal gap having a prescribed size is formed between the lower guide
plates of the respective up and downstream side guide members, said
prescribed size enabling to read the original document within the depth
of focus.

10. The image reading system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the horizontal
gap is a slit shape.

11. The image reading system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the horizontal
gap is a taper shape, a diameter of said taper shape increasing toward
the platen glass.

12. The image reading system as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a
casing configured to swingably support the image reading system, wherein
said upper guide plates of the respective up and downstream side guide
members are attached to the casing.

13. The image reading system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said casing
is swingable from and to the platen glass, wherein said upper guide
plates are swingable from and to the casing.

14. The image reading system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said upper
guide plates swing by their own weights when the casing is open.

15. The image reading system as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a
swing restriction device configured to restrict downward swinging of said
upper guide plates.

16. The image reading system as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a
positioning protrusion attached to the casing, said positioning
protrusion being configured to contact and position said upper guide
plates at a prescribed level when the casing is closed.

17. The image reading system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said up and
downstream side guide members are substantially entirely transparent.

18. The image reading system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said up and
downstream side guide members are partially transparent in the vicinity
of the reading position in a main scanning direction.

19. The image reading system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said
conveyance device includes;at least two pairs of driving and driven
rollers arranged over the original document conveyance path,wherein a
conveyance path starting from the most downstream side pair of conveyance
rollers arranged up stream of the reading position to the most up stream
side pair of the conveyance rollers arranged downstream of the reading
position is formed in parallel to the surface of the platen glass.

20. A copier for copying an original document, comprising:an image
formation device configured to form an image on a printing member; andan
original document reading device configured to convey and read an image
of an original document;wherein said original document reading device
includes the original document reading system as claimed in claim 1.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority under 35 USC §119 to Japanese
Patent Application No. 2009-050881, filed on Mar. 4, 2009, the entire
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to a sheet through type image reading
device and a copier having the sheet through type image reading device.

[0004]2. Discussion of the Background Art

[0005]An image reading device capable of sub scanning an image on an
original document by conveying the original document through a fixed
reading position is well known. A platen glass is arranged at the reading
position to allow a light emitted from a light source arranged inside the
image reading position to pass toward the original document located
outside thereof and a light reflected from the original document toward
the inside thereof. Since the original document passes there through
contacting the platen glass in this type of the image reading device
during reading the image of the original document, dust sticking to the
image surface on the original document unavoidably attracts to the platen
glass, and thereby an image signal read therefrom is influenced and an
image is deteriorated as a result. This also deteriorates quality of an
image formed by another type of an image reading device than the sheet
through type. When the original document is fixed and the image reading
section is moved in a sub scanning direction to read an image thereof,
the dust only causes a spot on the image. Whereas when the sheet through
type image reading device is employed, a line is drawn in the direction
by the dust.

[0006]It is described in the Japanese Patent Registration No. 3573884 and
the Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2007-159033 that an
original document is conveyed through a reading position keeping a
prescribed gap from a platen glass and is read by the image reading
device. In such a configuration, the original document can be conveyed
avoiding sliding contact with the platen glass. As a result, dust or the
like can be prevented from dropping from the image surface side of the
original document and attracting to the platen glass at the reading
position. Accordingly, the line hardly appears on the image while
maintaining the quality thereof.

[0007]However, in the above-mentioned several prior arts, the dust or the
like dropped therefrom during its conveyance sometimes attracts to the
reading position on the platen glass and draws the line on the image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]The present invention has been made in view of the above noted and
another problems and one object of the present invention is to provide a
new and noble image reading device for reading an original document image
while conveying an original document through a fixed reading position
along a platen glass.

[0009]Such new and noble image reading device, comprises a conveyance
device configured to convey the original document keeping a prescribed
distance from the platen glass at the reading position, wherein the
contact glass is arranged at a position other than a depth of focus at
the reading position.

[0010]In another aspect, the conveyance device includes a guide belt
configured to travel in an original document conveyance direction with
its surface facing the platen glass at the reading position. An
absorption device is provided to absorb the original document to the
guide belt.

[0013]In yet another aspect, a lifting device is provided to lift the
guide belt in relation to the original document conveyance surface. A
thickness detection device is provided to detect a thickness of the
original document on conveyance. The guide belt is lifted in accordance
with a detection result of the detection device.

[0014]In yet another aspect, a shading correction device is provided to
execute shading correction using the surface of the guide belt. The guide
belt is vertically lifted when the shading correction is executed.

[0015]In yet another aspect, the guide belt is retracted inside either
when the guide belt is exposed or when reading of the original document
is completed.

[0016]In yet another aspect, the conveyance device includes an upstream
side guide member arranged in the vicinity and upstream of the reading
position. The upstream side guide member includes a pair of upper and
lower guide plates collectively serving as an upstream side conveying
path. The conveyance device further includes a downstream side guide
member arranged in the vicinity and downstream of the reading position.
The downstream side guide member includes a pair of upper and lower guide
plates collectively serving as a downstream side conveying path. A gap is
formed between the lower guide plates of the respective upstream and
downstream side guide members, and is larger than that needed for the
reading section to read the image of the original document. The gap is
smaller than a prescribed level so that the original document conveying
path does not deviate from the depth of focus at the reading position.

[0017]In yet another aspect, the gap is a slit shape.

[0018]In yet another aspect, the gap is a taper shape, a diameter of which
is increasing toward the platen glass.

[0019]In yet another aspect, the upper guide plates are attached to the
casing.

[0020]In yet another aspect, the casing is attached to an image reading
unit having the platen glass and the reading section. The upper guide
plates are freely swingably mounted to the casing.

[0021]In yet another aspect, the upper guide members automatically swing
when the casing is open.

[0022]In yet another aspect, a restriction device is provided to restrict
automatic swinging of the upper guide plates.

[0023]In yet another aspect, a positioning protrusion is provided to
contact and position the upper guide plates when the casing is closed.
The positioning protrusion is attached to the casing.

[0024]In yet another aspect, the up and downstream side guide members are
substantially entirely transparent.

[0025]In yet another aspect, the up and downstream side guide members are
partially transparent at sections in the vicinity of the reading position
in the entire main scanning direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026]A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same
becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:

[0027]FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary copier according to
one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 2 partially illustrates an exemplary interior of an image
formation section of the copier of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 3 partially illustrates an exemplary tandem type four process
units provided in the image formation section of the copier of FIG. 1;

[0030]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary scanner and an ADF provided in the
copier of FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 5 illustrates a principal part of the ADF and the upper portion
of the scanner;

[0033]FIG. 7 illustrates a principal part of an exemplary electric circuit
that controls a fixed reading section for the second surface;

[0034]FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary surroundings of the fixed reading
section for the first surface;

[0035]FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an exemplary configuration of the
fixed reading section for the first surface;

[0036]FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary surroundings of the fixed
reading section for the first surface;

[0037]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary image reading device that includes
up and downstream side guide members arranged via a slit state gap having
a tapered portion extending toward the platen glass;

[0038]FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary image reading device that
includes up and downstream side guide members each partially having a
transparent portion around a reading position;

[0039]FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary image reading device that
includes up and downstream side guide members each freely swingably
mounted to a body cover of the ADF;

[0040]FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary modification of the image reading
device that includes springs for inhibiting the swinging of the
respective up and downstream side guide members;

[0041]FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary modification of the image
reading device that includes positioning protrusions mounted on the up
and downstream side guide members;

[0042]FIG. 16 illustrates another exemplary image reading device having a
conveyance path extending in parallel to the platen glass from a reading
inlet roller pair to a reading outlet roller pair;

[0043]FIG. 17 illustrates a principal part of another exemplary
modification of the ADF and the upper portion of the scanner;

[0044]FIG. 18 illustrates exemplary surroundings of the fixed reading
section for the first surface according to the other modification;

[0045]FIG. 19 schematically illustrates an exemplary positional relation
between an image reading sensor and an image of the original document in
the image reading device according to the other modification;

[0046]FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an exemplary positional relation
between a focusing point and a guide belt provided in the image reading
device according to the other modification;

[0047]FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary detecting device for detecting a
thickness of the original document conveyed in the image reading device
according to the other modification;

[0048]FIG. 22 illustrates exemplary guide belt moving control executed in
the image reading device according to the other modification;

[0049]FIG. 23 illustrates another exemplary guide belt moving control
executed when shading correction is executed in the image reading device
according to the other modification;

[0050]FIG. 24 illustrates yet another exemplary guide belt moving control
executed when shading correction is executed in the image reading device
according to the other modification;

[0051]FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary image reading device that includes
a slit state gap between the up and downstream side guide members
according to the other modification;

[0052]FIG. 26 illustrates another exemplary image reading device that
includes a slit state gap having a tapered portion extending toward the
platen glass between the up and downstream side guide members according
to the other modification;

[0053]FIG. 27 illustrates another exemplary image reading device that
includes up and downstream side guide members each partially having a
transparent portion around a reading position according to the other
modification;

[0054]FIG. 28 illustrates another exemplary image reading device having a
conveyance path extending in parallel to the platen glass from a reading
inlet roller pair to a reading outlet roller pair according to the other
modification;

[0055]FIG. 29 illustrates another exemplary image reading device that
includes up and down stream side guide members each freely swingably
mounted to a body cover of the ADF according to the other modification;
and

[0056]FIG. 30 illustrates another exemplary modification of the image
reading device that includes springs for inhibiting the swinging of the
respective up and downstream side guide members according to the other
modification.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0057]Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals and
marks designate identical or corresponding parts throughout several
figures, in particular in FIG. 1, an exemplary copier is illustrated. As
shown, the copier includes an image formation section 1 serving as an
image formation device, a blank sheet supplying device 40 and an original
document reading device 50. The original document reading device 50
includes a scanner 150 serving as an image reading unit secured to the
image formation section 1 from above and an ADF 51 serving as a
conveyance device which is supported by the scanner 150.

[0058]A blank sheet supplying device 40 includes a pair of sheet feeding
cassettes 42 arranged stepwise in a paper bank 41, a launching roller 43
that launches a transfer sheet from the sheet feeding cassettes, and a
separation roller 45 that separates and supplies the transfer sheets
toward a sheet path 44. Further, plural conveyance rollers 47 that convey
the transfer sheet toward the sheet-feeding path 37 of the image
formation section 1 are provided. Then, the transfer sheet in the
sheet-feeding cassette is fed into the sheet-feeding path 37 in the image
formation section 1.

[0059]Now, an exemplary interior of the image formation section is
described with reference to FIG. 2. The image formation section 1
includes four process units 3K to 3C (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan)
for forming toner images of component colors of K to C, a transfer unit
24, a sheet conveyance unit 28, a registration roller pair 33, a fixing
device 34, a switchback device 36, a sheet feeding path 37 and the like.
A light source such as a laser diode, a LED, etc., not shown, arranged in
an optical write device 2 is driven to emit laser lights L to drum state
photoconductive members 4K to 4C, respectively. With this emission,
latent images are formed on the respective surfaces of the
photoconductive members 4K to 4C, and are developed into toner images
through prescribed developing processes.

[0060]The process units 3K to 3C accommodate photoconductive members and
various peripheries arranged there around on respective supporting
members as units, and are detachable to a body of the image formation
section 1. For example, in the black use process unit 3K, a developing
device 6K is included beside the photoconductive member 4K to develop a
latent image formed on a photoconductive member 4K into a black toner
image. Further included is a cleaning device 15 and the like for cleaning
the surface of the photo-conductive member 4K by removing toner
attracting thereto at a position where the surface passes through a
primary transfer nip for K-use as mentioned later in detail. In this
copier, these four process units 3K to 3C are arranged side by side each
opposing an intermediate transfer belt 25 in a traveling direction
thereof in a tandem state.

[0061]Now, the tandem type four process units 3K to 3C are described with
reference to FIG. 3. Each of the four process units 3K to 3C has
substantially the same configuration with each other and employs
different color component toner. As shown, the process unit 3 includes a
charge device 23, a developing device 6, a drum cleaning device 15, and a
charge removing lamp 22 and the like around the photo-conductive member
4.

[0062]The photoconductive member 4 is produced from a rough tube made of
such as aluminum and a photoconductive layer made of organic
photoconductive material having photoconductive performance coated
overlying the tube as a drum. An endless belt type can be alternatively
used.

[0063]The developing device 6 develops a latent image with two component
developers including magnetic carrier and non-magnetic toner. The
developing device 6 includes a stirring section 7 that conveys and
supplies the two-component developer accommodated therein to a developing
sleeve 12 while stirring thereof. Also included is a developing section
11 that transfers toner in the two-component developer carried on the
developing sleeve 12 onto the photoconductive member 4.

[0064]The stirring section 7 is located at a lower position than the
developing section 11, and includes a pair of conveyance screws 8
arranged in parallel to each other, a partition arranged between the
screws, and a toner density sensor 10 arranged on a bottom surface of a
developing casing and the like.

[0065]The developing section 11 includes a developing sleeve 12 opposing
the photo-conductive member 4 via an opening of the developing casing 9,
a magnetic roller 13 fixed inside, and a doctor blade 14 abutting on the
developing sleeve via its leading end and the like. The developing sleeve
12 is made of non-magnetic material and has a rotatable cylindrical
shape. The magnetic roller 12 includes plural magnetic poles arranged
side by side in a rotational direction from a position opposing a doctor
blade 14. These magnetic poles provide magnetic force to the
two-component developer on the sleeve at a prescribed position in the
rotational direction and pulls and carries the two-component developer
transferred from the stirring section 7 on the surface of the developing
sleeve 13, so that a magnetic brush is formed thereon along the magnetic
lines.

[0066]The magnetic brush is flattened to have a prescribed thickness when
passing through the doctor blade 14 as the developing sleeve rotates, and
is conveyed to a developing region opposing the photoconductive member 4.
Then, the magnetic brush causes toner to move to the latent image and
contributes to development due to a developing bias applied to the
developing sleeve 12 and a potential difference created between the
photoconductive member 4 and the latent image. Further, the toner returns
to the developing section 11 as the developing sleeve 12 rotates and is
separated from the surface of the sleeve due to influence of a repelling
magnetic field created between the magnetic poles of the magnetic roller
13. Based on a detection result of the toner density sensor 10, a
prescribed amount of the two-component developer is replenished to the
stirring section 7. Further, instead of the two-component developer, one
component developer can be used in the developing device 6.

[0067]The cleaning blade 16 made of polyurethane contacting the
photoconductive member 4 is used in the drum cleaning device 15. However,
the other system can be used. For the purpose of increasing a cleaning
performance, a fur brush 17 having a contact conductivity is employed to
freely swingably contact the photoconductive member 4 via its outer
circumference in a direction as shown by an arrow in the drawing. The fur
brush 17 shaves a solid lubricant agent member, not shown, into fine
particles, and coats the surface of the photoconductive member 4
therewith. An electric filed roller 18 made of metal is freely swingably
arranged in a direction as shown by an arrow in the drawing, to which a
tip of a scraper 19 pressure contacts. The toner attracting to the fur
brush 17 is transferred onto the electric field roller 18, which receives
a bias and rotates counter clockwise contacting the fur brush 17. After
being scraped off from the electric field roller 18 by the scraper 19,
the toner drops on a collection screw 20. The collection screw 20 conveys
the toner toward an end of the drum cleaning device 15 in a direction
perpendicular to the surface of the drawing, and hands the same to a
recycle conveyance device 21 arranged outside thereof. The recycle
conveyance device 21 transfers the toner to the developing device 15 to
be recycled.

[0068]The charge removing lamp 22 removes charge on the surface of the
photoconductive member 4 by emitting a light. The surface is then
uniformly charged by the charge device 23, and is subjected to optical
writing by the optical writing device 2. The charge device 23 employs a
rotatable charge roller receiving a charge bias contacting the
photoconductive member 4. Otherwise, a scorotron charge or the like of a
non-contact type can be employed separated from the photoconductive
member 4.

[0069]K to C mono color toner images created by the above-mentioned manner
are respectively formed on the photoconductive members 4K to 4C in the
four process units 3K to 3C as shown in FIG. 2.

[0070]Below the four process units 3K to 3C, a transfer unit 24 is
arranged, and includes an endless intermediate transfer belt that is
wound around plural rollers and rotates clockwise in the drawing while
contacting the photo-conductive members 4K to 4C. Thus, plural primary
nips for K to C uses are formed between the respective photoconductive
members 4K to 4C and the intermediate transfer belt 25. In the vicinity
of the primary nips for K to C uses, plural primary transfer rollers 26K
to 26C arranged inside the belt lop depress the intermediate transfer
belt 25 against the photo-conductive members 4K to 4C. These primary
transfer rollers 26K to 26C receive a primary transfer bias from a power
supply, not shown. Thus, plural primary transfer electric fields are
created in the primary nips for K to C uses to electro statically move
toner images on the photoconductive members 4k to 4C toward the
intermediate transfer belt 25. Thus, as the intermediate transfer belt 25
endlessly moves clockwise and passes through the respective transfer
nips, the toner images are superimposed there one by one on the front
surface thereof, so that a four color superimposed toner image is formed
thereon.

[0071]Below the transfer unit 24, a sheet transfer unit 28 is arranged,
which includes an endless sheet conveyance belt 29 wound around driving
and secondary transfer rollers 30 and 31. The secondary transfer roller
31 of the sheet transfer unit 28 and the lower section suspension roller
27 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt and the sheet conveyance
belt 29. Thus, a secondary transfer nip is created, in which the front
surfaces of the intermediate transfer belt 25 and the sheet conveyance
belt 29 contact each other. The secondary transfer roller 31 receives a
secondary transfer bias from a power supply, not shown. The lower section
suspension roller 27 is grounded. Thus, a secondary transfer electric
field is created in the secondary transfer nip.

[0072]On the right side of the secondary transfer nip, a registration
roller pair 33 is arranged to launch a transfer sheet pinched between
rollers toward the secondary transfer nip in synchronism with the four
color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 25. In the secondary
transfer nip, a four color superimposed toner image on the intermediate
transfer belt 25 is transferred at once onto the transfer sheet under
influence of the secondary transfer electric field as a full color image
on a blank sheet. The transfer sheet passing through the secondary
transfer nip is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 25, and is
conveyed toward the fixing device 34 being held on the front surface of
the sheet conveyance belt 29.

[0073]Toner not transferred onto the transfer sheet at the secondary
transfer nip remains on the front surface of the intermediate transfer
belt 25 passing through the secondary transfer nip, and is removed by a
cleaning device contacting the intermediate transfer belt 25.

[0074]The transfer sheet conveyed to the fixing device 34 is subjected to
a fixing process for fixing the full color image, which is executed by
providing pressure and heat therein. The transfer sheet is conveyed and
ejected outside the apparatus by the sheet ejection roller pair 35.

[0075]Back to FIG. 1, a switch back device 36 is arranged below the sheet
conveyance unit 22 and the fixing device 34. Thus, a switching pick
changes a course of the transfer sheet that has completed the image
fixing process on its one side toward a transfer sheet inversion device.
Then, the transfer sheet is inverted there and enters the secondary
transfer nip. When the other side surface receives the secondary transfer
and fixing processes, it is ejected onto the sheet ejection tray.

[0076]The scanner 150 secured to the image formation section 1 includes a
secured reading section and a movement reading section 152. The movement
reading section 152 is arranged right below the contact glass, fixed to
the upper wall of the casing of the scanner 150 so as to contact an
original document MS. Thus, an optical system including a light source
and reflection mirrors and the like can be moved left and right in the
drawing. When the optical system is moved to right from left, the light
emitted from the light source is reflected by an original document placed
on a second contact glass. The light travels reflection mirrors and
enters an image reading sensor 153 fixed to the scanner body to be
received.

[0077]On the other hand, the fixed reading section includes a fixed first
surface reading section 151 arranged in the scanner 150 and a fixed
second surface reading section 95, not shown, arranged in the ADF 51. The
fixed first surface reading section 151 includes a light source,
reflection mirrors, a CCD and the like, and is arranged right below the
platen glass 154, not shown, secured to the upper wall of the casing of
the scanner 150. Thus, when the original document MS conveyed by the ADF
51 passes through above the platen glass, the light emitted from the
light source is reflected in turn by the plural reflection mirrors, so
that the light is received by an image reading sensor. Thus, without
moving the optical system of the light source and the reflection mirrors,
the first surface of the original document is scanned. Further, the fixed
second surface reading section 95 scans the second surface of the
original document MS having passed through the fixed first surface
reading section 151.

[0078]The ADF 51 arranged on the scanner 150 includes a body cover 52 that
supports an original document setting table 53 for setting an original
document MS to read, a conveyance unit 98 for conveying the original
document MS, and an original document stack table 55 for stacking the
original documents MS after reading thereof and the like. As shown in
FIG. 4, the ADF 51 is vertically moveably supported by the scanner 150
around a hinge 159 secured thereto. Thus, the ADF behaves like an
open/close door and exposes the platen glass 154 and the contact glass
155 arranged on the scanner 150 when swinging and being open. When a
one-side bound original document impossible to separate one by one is
used, the ADF cannot convey the original documents. In such a situation,
when the ADF 51 is open, the one-side bound original documents are placed
onto the contact glass 155 with its page to be read directing downward as
shown in FIG. 4. Then, the ADF is closed. After that, an image of the
page is read by the moving reading section 152 of the scanner as shown in
FIG. 1.

[0079]Whereas when a bundle of original documents MS simply stacking
plural separated sheets is used, the ADF can automatically conveys the
original documents one by one, so that the fixed first surface reading
section 151 and the fixed second surface reading section 95 sequentially
read the original documents. At that movement, a copy start button 158 is
depressed after the original document bundle is placed on the original
document setting table 53. Then, the ADF 51 conveys the original
documents MS from the original document placing table 53 one by one while
inverting the same toward the original document stack table 55 via the
conveyance unit 98. In the course of conveyance, the original document MS
is conveyed right above the fixed first surface reading section 151 of
the scanner 150 right after being inverted. At this moment, an image of
the first surface of the original document MS is read by the fixed first
surface reading section 151 of the scanner 150.

[0080]Now, an exemplary principal section of the ADF and the upper section
of the scanner 150 are described with reference to FIG. 5. An exemplary
electric circuit of the ADF and the scanner 150 is also described with
reference to FIG. 6. The ADF 51 includes an original document setting
section A, a separation feeding section B, a registration section C, a
turn section D, a first reading conveyance section E, a second reading
conveyance section F, a sheet ejection section G, and a stack section H
and the like.

[0081]As shown in FIG. 6, the ADF 51 includes a controller 64 having such
as an ASIC to generally control various instruments and sensors. The
controller 64 is connected to a registration sensor 65, an original
document setting sensor, an sheet ejection sensor, 61, a strike sensor
72, an original document sensor 73, a read inlet sensor 67, and a sheet
feed appropriate position sensor 59. Also connected thereto are the fixed
second surface reading section 95, a pickup motor 56, a sheet feed motor
76, a reading motor 77, a sheet ejection motor 78, a bottom plate
elevation motor 79, and the like. Yet further connected is a main body
control section 200 or the like that generally controls various
instruments of the scanner 150. The scanner 150 includes such a main body
control section 200 having a CPU and a RAM, not shown, or the like. Thus,
various instruments and sensors, not shown, included in the scanner 150
can be controlled. The scanner 150 is connected to a controller 64 of the
ADF 51 via an I/F 202, so that various instruments and sensors included
in the ADF 51 can be controlled indirectly via the controller 64.

[0082]As shown in FIG. 5, the original document setting section A includes
an original document placing table 53 or the like for receiving the
bundle of original documents MS to be set. The separation conveyance
section B separates and conveys the bundle of original documents MS one
by one. Further, the registration section C aligns and then further
launches the original document MS that temporarily collides therewith;
The turn section D includes a curvature conveyance section curving in a
letter L shape and inverses the original document MS up side down while
returning the same. The first reading conveyance section E conveys the
original document above the platen glass 154 while letting the fixed
first surface reading section 151 arranged inside the scanner, not shown,
to read the first side of the original document below the platen glass
154. The second reading conveyance section F conveys the original
document below the fixed second surface reading section 95 while letting
the fixed second surface reading section 95 to read the second side of
the original document. Further, the sheet ejection section G ejects the
original document having been subjected to image reading for both sides
thereof toward a stack section H. Further, the stack section H stacks the
original documents on the original document stack table 55.

[0083]The tips of the original documents are placed on the movable
original document table 54 movable in directions "a" and "b" in
accordance with thickness of the original document, and the original
documents are set with their trailing end sides being placed on the
original document placing table 53. At this moment, on the original
document placing table 53, side guides, not shown, collude with both ends
of the original documents in the widthwise direction, so that a position
of the original documents is aligned. The original documents set in this
way pushes up a lever member 62 freely swingably arranged above the
movable original document 54. Then, the original document setting sensor
63 recognizes setting of the original documents and transmits a detection
signal to the controller 64. Then, the detection signal is transmitted to
the main body control section 200 via the I/F 202 from the controller 64.

[0084]On the original document placing table 53, first and second original
document length detection sensors 57 and 58 each including a reflection
type photo-sensor or a actuator type sensor are mounted to detect the
length of the original documents in a conveyance direction.

[0085]Above the bundle of the original documents placed on the movable
original document 54, a pickup roller 80 is movably supported in an up
and down direction (i.e., "c" and "d" directions) by means of a cam
mechanism. The cam mechanism can lift the pickup roller 80 by driving a
pickup motor 56. Specifically, when the pickup roller 80 rises, the
movable original document 54 swings in the direction as shown by an arrow
"a", and thus contacts the uppermost original document in the bundle.
When the movable original document 54 further rises, the sheet feeding
correct position sensor 59 detects arrival at the upper limit of the
movable original document 54 before long. Thus, the pickup motor 56 stops
driving and the movable original document 54 stop rising.

[0086]A key operation0 of setting one of both side and one side reading
modes, as well as a depression operation of depressing a copy start key
158, and the like are executed through a main body operation section 201
of a copier that includes ten key pads or a display and the like. When
the copy start key 158 is depressed, an original document feeding signal
is transmitted to the controller 64 of the ADF 51 via the I/F 202 from
the main body control section 200. Then, the pickup roller 80 rotates and
drives as the sheet feed motor 76 rotates in a normal direction, and
launches the original documents on the movable original document 54.

[0087]The above-mentioned setting of one of both side and one side reading
modes can be executed at once for all of the original documents placed on
the movable original document 54. Further, both modes can be optionally
set, such that the both side reading mode can only be set for first and
tenth original documents, for example, while the one side reading mode
can be set for the remaining original documents.

[0088]The original document launched by the pickup roller 80 enters a
separation conveyance section B, and is brought into a contact position
contacting a sheet feeding belt 84. The sheet feeding belt 84 is
suspended by drive and driven rollers 82 and 83, and is endlessly moved
clockwise as the drive roller 82 rotates when a sheet feeding motor 76
normally rotates. A reverse roller 85 contacts the lower suspension
surface of the sheet feeding belt 84, which is driven rotated clockwise
as the sheet feeding motor 76 normally rotates. At the contact section,
the surface of the sheet feeding belt 84 moves in a sheet feeding
direction. Whereas the reverse roller 85 contacts the sheet feeding belt
84 with a prescribed pressure, and is driven by a belt or an original
document when contacting the sheet feeding belt 84 directly or via a
sheet of the original document at the contact section. However, when
plural original documents are pinched at the contact section, a driven
force thereof decreases than a torque of a torque limiter. Thus, the
reverse roller 85 driven rotates clockwise opposing to the driven rotated
direction. Thus, the original documents lower than the upper most are
given a moving force in the opposite direction to sheet feeding by the
reverse roller 85, thereby only the upper most original document is
separated from the plurality of those.

[0089]The original document separated into one by the function of the
reverse roller 85 and the sheet feeding belt 84 enters the registration
section C. Then, the tip of the original document is detected when
passing through a right lower section of the strike sensor 72. At this
moment, the pickup roller 80 yet receives a driving force of the pickup
motor 56 and is rotating. However, since the movable original document
table 54 descends and separates from the original document, the original
document is conveyed only by an endless moving force of the sheet feeding
belt 84. Then, the sheet feeding belt 84 continues endless movement for a
prescribed time period after when the strike sensor 72 detects the tip of
the original document, so that the tip of the original document bumps
into a contact section where a pullout drive roller 86 and a pullout
driven roller 87 driven rotated by the pullout drive roller 86 while
contacting the same. Since a trailing end of the original document is fed
while the tip thereof striking the contact section of the rollers, the
original document is bent with a prescribed amount. Thus, a skew (i.e.,
inclination) of the original document is corrected so that the original
document takes a posture along the sheet feeding direction.

[0090]Beside correcting the skew of the original document, the pull out
driven roller 87 has a function to convey the original document until an
intermediate roller pair 66 arranged down stream after skew correction,
and is thus driven rotated as the sheet feeding motor 76 reversely
rotates. When the sheet feeding motor 76 reversely rotates, the pull out
driven roller 87 and one of the intermediate roller pair 66 start
rotating while the sheet feeding belt 84 stops endless movement. At this
moment, the pickup roller 80 also stops rotating.

[0091]The original document launched from the pull out driven roller 87
passes through a section right below the original document width sensor
73. The original document width sensor 73 includes plural sheet detection
sections each having a reflection type photo sensor or the like and are
arranged in the original document widthwise direction. In accordance with
a position of the sheet detection section, a width of the original
document is detected. Further, a length of the conveyance direction of
the original document is recognized in accordance with a time elapsing
from when the strike sensor 72 detects the tip of the original document
to when it does not detect the trailing end thereof.

[0092]The tip of the original document enters a turn section D and is
sandwiched between the intermediate roller pair 66. A conveyance speed of
the original document conveyed by the intermediate roller pair 66 is
higher than that in the first reading conveyance section E. Thus, a time
until the original document is launched up to the first reading
conveyance section E is reduced.

[0093]The tip of the original document conveyed in the turn section D
passes through a section opposing to the read inlet sensor 67. When the
read inlet sensor 67 detects the tip of the original document, the
original document conveyance speed controlled by the intermediate roller
pair 66 decreases before the tip thereof arrives at the read inlet roller
pair 89 arranged downstream. As the reading motor 77 starts rotating,
each one of the read inlet roller pair 89, the read outlet roller pair
92, and the second read outlet roller pair 93 starts rotating.

[0094]Within the turn section D, the original document is turned upside
down and returned by the curvature conveyance path arranged between the
intermediate roller pair 66 and the read inlet roller pair 89. The tip of
the original document having passed through the section right below the
registration sensor 65 passes through the nip between the read inlet
roller pair 89. When the registration sensor 65 detects the tip of the
original document, the original document conveyance speed decreases
within a prescribed conveyance length and ultimately temporarily stops at
a position short of the first reading conveyance section E. Further, a
registration stop signal is transmitted to a main body control section
200 via the I/F 202.

[0095]When the main body control section 200 receives the registration
signal and transmits a read start signal, the controller 64 controls the
read motor 77 to resume rotation and increases the conveyance speed of
the original document to a prescribed level before the tip thereof
arrives and enters the first reading conveyance section E. Then, the
controller 64 transmits a gate signal representing a valid image region
in a sub scanning direction on the first surface of the original document
to the main body control section 200 at a time calculated as the tip of
the original document arrives at a read position for the fixed first
surface reading section 151. Such transmission continues until the
trailing end of the original document passes through the reading position
of the fixed first surface reading section 151, so that the first surface
is read by the fixed first surface reading section 151.

[0096]The original document having passed through the first reading
conveyance section E passes through the read outlet roller pair 92, and
is detected by the sheet ejection sensor 61. When the one side read mode
is set, reading of the second surface of the original document by the
fixed second surface reading section 95 mentioned later is not needed.
When the sensor 61 detects the tip of the original document, the sheet
ejection motor 78 starts normal driving and a lower side sheet ejection
roller of the sheet ejection roller pair 94 is driven rotated clockwise.
Further, based on a sheet ejection motor pulse count started from when
the tip of the original document is detected by the sensor 61, a time
when the trailing end of the original document passes through the nip of
the sheet ejection roller pair 94 is calculated. Then, the driving speed
of the sheet ejection motor 78 is decreased to eject the original
document so that the original document does not jump out of the original
document placing table 55 just before a time calculated as when the
trailing end of the original document passes through the nip of the sheet
ejection roller pair 94.

[0097]When a duplex read mode is designated, a time from when the sheet
ejection sensor 61 detects the tip of the original document to when it
arrives at the fixed second surface reading section 95 is calculated
based on an amount of pulses generated by the read motor 77. At that
time, a gate signal representing a valid image region in the sub scanning
direction on the second surface of the original document is transmitted
to the main body control section 200 from the controller 64. Such
transmission is continued until the trailing end of the original document
passes through the reading position of the fixed second surface reading
section 95, and thus, the fixed second surface reading section 95 reads
the second surface.

[0098]The fixed second surface reading section 95 includes a contact type
image sensor subjected to a coating process on its read surface to
prevent a read line that is caused by attraction of paste state alien
substance onto the original document. A second read roller 96 is arranged
at a position opposing the second fixed reading section 95 as an original
document supporting device to support the original document from the none
read surface side (i.e. a first surface side). The second reading roller
96 prevents the original document from floating at the read position of
the fixed second surface reading section 95 while serving as a ref white
section to provide shading data at the fixed second surface reading
section 95. Instead of the second read roller 96 employed in this
embodiment as the original document supporting device at the opposing
position to the fixed second surface reading section 95, a guide plate
type can be used.

[0099]Now, an exemplary electric circuit of the fixed second surface
reading section 95 is described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown, the
fixed second surface reading section 95 includes a light source section
95a, such as a LED array, a fluorescent, a cold-cathode tube, etc. Also
included are plural sensor chips 95b aligning in the main scanning
direction, plural OP amplifier circuits 95c respectively connected to the
plural sensor chips 95b, and plural A/D converters 95e respectively
connected to the plural OP amplifier circuits 95c. Yet further included
are an image processing section 95f, a frame memory 95g, an output
control circuit 95h, and an I/F circuit 95i, and the like.

[0100]The sensor chip 95b includes a photoelectric transducer called a
same magnification image sensor and a collimate lens. Prior to entrance
of an original document, not shown, into the reading position for the
fixed second surface reading section 95, the controller 64 transmits a
turning on signal to the light sources 95a. Thus, the light sources 95a
turns on and emits a light to a second surface of the original document,
not shown. The reflected light by the second surface of the original
document is collimated at the photoelectric transducer by the collimate
lens and are read by the plural sensor chips 95b as image information.
The image information read by these sensor chips 95b are amplified by an
OP amp circuit 95c, and are then converted by the A/D converter 95e into
digital image information. The digital image information is inputted to
the image processing section 95f and subjected to shading processing. The
digital image information is then temporarily stored in the frame memory
95g. The image information is then converted into a data form acceptable
to the main body control section 200 by the output control circuit 95h,
and is outputted via the I/F circuit 95i.

[0101]The controller 64 outputs a time signal representing a time when the
tip of the of arrives at a reading position for the fixed second surface
reading section 95 (so that image data after the time is regarded as
valid data). Also outputted are a lightening signal for a light source,
power source, or the like.

[0102]Now, an exemplary feature of the copier is described with reference
to FIG. 8 that illustrates a fixed type first surface reading section 151
and surroundings.

[0103]As shown, an opposing guide member 99 is arranged separated from the
platen glass 154 by a prescribed distance H, and includes plural suction
holes 99a. A suction device 300 is provided on the backside of the
opposing guide member 99. The suction device 300 includes a suction duct
301 and a suction fan 302. The suction duct 301 includes a concave space
opening downward. The size of the opening is as large as a region in
which the suction holes 99a are formed. The opening end of the suction
duct 301 contacts the backside surface (i.e., the upper surface) of the
opposing guide member 99. Plural suction holes are provided on the bottom
surface of the concave space (i.e., the upper surface of the suction duct
301). A suction fan 302 is attached to the suction holes. Thus, when the
suction fan 301 is driven, air is sucked through the suction holes 99a.

[0104]The original document conveyed to the opposing guide member 99 by
the read inlet roller pair 89 (89a, 89b) is absorbed to the opposing
guide member 99 by the suction force of the suction fan 301 and passes
through the original document read position. As a result, the original
document is conveyed keeping a distance H from the platen glass 154.
Since the original document is conveyed with a distance H from the platen
glass 154 at the read position in this way, the original document does
not slide contact the platen glass 154. Thus, the dust or the like
sticking to the original document does not attract to the read position
of the platen glass 154 due to contact sliding with the platen glass 154.

[0105]Now, an exemplary fixed type first surface reading section 151 is
described with reference to FIG. 9. As shown, a pair of light sources
151b and 151c is provided. An image read sensor 151a is arranged below
and between the pair of light sources 151b and 151c. The image read
sensor 151a can employ a CCD and a CIS (contact image sensor) or the
like. To maximize the light intensity on an image formation surface of
the original document, emission angles of respective light sources 151b
and 151c are adjusted. Further, a focal point of the image reading sensor
151a is placed on an original document conveyance path. The platen glass
154 is deviated from a depth of focus on an optical axis, in which an
image is finely focused around a center of a focal point of the image
reading sensor 151a. Thus, if a dust attracts to the reading position of
the platen glass 154, since the dust on the platen glass is not focused,
it blurs when read by the image reading sensor 151a. As a result, the
dust only causes a thin line in shade on a read image. Depending on a
read condition, such as when density of a read image is designated less
than that of an original document image, the line can be prevented from
appearing.

[0106]Instead of such a suction device 300, an electrostatic force can be
employed to absorb the original document onto the opposing guide member
99 by providing a voltage thereto.

[0107]Now, a first modification is described with reference to FIG. 10
illustrating an exemplary image reading device 50a having a fixed type
first surface reading section 151 and surroundings.

[0108]As shown, the image reading device 50a includes a upstream side
guide member 97 arranged upstream of the read position in the vicinity
thereof, and a downstream side guide member 91 arranged downstream of the
read position in the vicinity thereof. These guide members 91 and 97 are
arranged adjacent to each other and collectively convey the original
document apart from the platen glass 154 by a distance H at the reading
position. A downward inclination surface 91a directing downward is
arranged at the upstream end of the downstream side guide member 91 to
pick up the tip of the original document. Thus, even if the tip of the
original document is curled, the tip can strike the inclined surface 91a
and is smoothly guided toward the downstream side guide member 91.

[0109]The driven roller 89b of the reading inlet roller pair 89 is freely
swingably mounted on the upstream side guide member 97. The driven roller
92b of the reading outlet roller pair 92 is also freely swingably mounted
on the downstream side guide member 91.

[0110]A gap is formed between the up and down stream side guide members 91
and 97 and includes a slit that enables a light emitted from the fixed
type first surface reading section 151 and reflected by the image surface
of the original document to pass and advance to the image read sensor
151a. Thus, a dust or the like attracting to the original document is
surpassed to drop on the read position of the platen glass as minimum as
possible. Thus, the gap is not limited to the slit shape as above and the
other gaps can be employed if they are capable of conveying the original
document apart from the platen glass 154 by a distance H. Specifically,
all the system has, to meet is that the original document conveyance path
is arranged within a depth of focus of the image reading sensor 151a at
the reading position.

[0111]Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the slit state gap can be a taper
state extending toward the platen glass 154. As also shown in FIG. 9, the
light sources 151b and 151c emit lights toward the image reading sensor
151a. Thus, with the shape of FIG. 11, the gap on the original document
conveyance path side is decreased without intercepting the light path
extending from the light sources 151b and 151c. Thus, a dust or the like
attracting to the original document is more efficiently surpassed to drop
on the read position of the platen glass 154.

[0112]Further, the up and downstream side guide members 91 and 97 can be
transparent either in whole or in part inn the vicinity of the reading
position as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, with the shape of FIG. 11, a gap on
the original document conveyance path side is decreased without
intercepting the light paths of the light sources 151b and 151c. In such
a situation, the up and downstream side guide members 91 and 97 do not
intercept the light path of the light sources 151b and 151c even arranged
thereon. Thus, the gap on the original document conveyance path side can
be narrowed, and thus, a dust and a paper dust or the like are more
efficiently surpassed to drop on the read position of the platen glass
154. Further, by partially making the up and downstream side guide
members 91 and 97 transparent in the vicinity of the reading position,
black color correction can be efficiently executed for the image reading
sensor 151a while avoiding influence of an external light in comparison
with those entirely made into transparent.

[0113]Further, as a result of approximating the up and downstream side
guide members 91 and 97 to each other, a jam sheet (i.e. original
document) is hardly removed when occurring in the vicinity of the reading
position. Then, s shown in FIG. 13, the up and downstream slide guide
members 97 and 91 can be freely swingably attached to a main body cover
52 of the ADF 51. Specifically, as shown, supporting protrusions 97b are
arranged at main scanning both side ends of the upstream side guide
member 97 in the vicinity of the upstream side end thereof. These
supporting protrusions are loosely fit into supporting holes, not shown,
formed on front and rear side plates, not shown, of the main body cover
97b, respectively. Similarly, supporting protrusions 91b are arranged at
main scanning both side ends of the downstream side guide member 91 in
the vicinity of the downstream side end thereof. These supporting
protrusions 91b are loosely fit into supporting holes, not shown, formed
on front and rear side plates, not shown, of the main body cover 52,
respectively. Thus, when the ADF 51 is open, the upstream side guide
member 97 automatically rotates by its own weight around the supporting
protrusion 97b as a fulcrum, and the conveyance path arranged upstream of
the reading position is exposed. Simultaneously, the downstream side
guide member 91 automatically swing by its own weight around the
supporting protrusion 91b as a fulcrum, and the conveyance path arranged
downstream of the reading position is similarly exposed. Thus, the jam
sheet (i.e. original document) is readily removed even occurring in the
vicinity of the reading position. Further, since the up and downstream
side guide members 97 and 91 automatically swing, the jam sheet (i.e.
original document) removal is more readily executed than when it is
manually removed.

[0114]When the ADF 51 is closed, the up and downstream side guide members
97 and 91 contact and are depressed by the upper surface of the scanner
150. Thus, they swing and return to their original positions for guiding
the original document.

[0115]When a range of swinging caused by their own weights is wide, the up
and downstream side guide members 97 and 91 don't swing to their original
positions being linked with closing movement of the ADF 51 even when the
ADF is closed sometime. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, springs 311 and 312
can be arranged as restriction devices to restrict rotation of the up and
downstream side guide members 97 and 91, respectively. One end of the
spring 311 is attached to the downstream side end of the upstream side
guide member 97 and the other end is attached to the main body cover 52.
One end of the spring 312 is similarly attached to the upstream side end
of the down streamside guide member 91 and the other end is attached to
the main body cover 52.

[0116]When the ADF 51 is closed and thus the up and downstream side guide
members 97 and 91 are supported by the scanner 50, the springs 311 and
312 are in the sate of no tension length. When the ADF 51 is open, the up
and downstream side guide members 97 and 91 swing to positions where
their own weights are commensurate with tensions of the springs 311 and
312, respectively. To remove the original document jamming in the
vicinity of the reading position, one of the up and downstream side guide
members 97 and 91 is picked up and swung to a position illustrated by a
rigid line to expose the original document conveyance path. Thus, the
original document jamming in the vicinity of the reading position can be
readily removed. When one of the up and downstream side guide members 97
and 91 is released after that, one of the up and downstream side guide
members 97 and 91 returns to a position as illustrated by a dotted line.
When the ADF 51 is to be closed, since the up and downstream side guide
members 97 and 91 do not widely swing, these guide members 91 and 97 are
depressed by the upper surface of the scanner 150 and return to the
position for guiding the original document.

[0117]However, unless a finishing precision of the lower surface of the
belt guide members 91 and 97 and the upper surface of the scanner 50 is
improved, the positioning of the respective guide members 91 and 97
cannot be precisely achieved when they contact each other. Specifically,
when the positioning precision is poor, the original document conveyance
path can be deformed and goes beyond the depth of focus of the image
reading sensor 151a. Otherwise, the original document likely causes
jamming due to excessively narrow original document conveyance path.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15, positioning protrusions 91(c, d) and 97(c, d)
can be provided on the respective guiding members 91 and 97.
Specifically, as shown, a first positioning protrusion member 97c is
arranged on the upper surface of the downstream side end of the upstream
side guide member 97, while a second positioning protrusion member 97d is
arranged on the lower surface of the upstream side guide member 97 in the
vicinity of the downstream side end thereof. Similarly, a first
positioning protrusion member 91c is arranged on the upper surface of the
upstream side end of the down stream side guide member 91, while a second
positioning protrusion member 91d is arranged on the lower surface of the
down stream side guide member 97 in the vicinity of the upstream side end
thereof. Thus, when the ADF 51 is closed, the first and second
positioning protrusion members 91c and 97c contact the opposing guide
members 99, respectively. Thus, the gap to the opposing member 99 is
avoided to be too narrow, and accordingly the original document can
smoothly be conveyed without causing jam. Further, due to that the second
positioning protrusions 91d and 97c contact the upper surface of the
scanner, the gap to the opposing member 99 does not become too broad, and
the original document conveyance path is not deviated from a depth of
focus of the image reading sensor 151a.

[0118]Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a conveyance path starting from the
reading inlet roller pair 89 to the reading outlet roller pair 92 is
preferably in parallel to the surface of the platen glass 154. Thus, the
original document can be fed substantially straight via the reading
position, and accordingly, a high quality image can be obtained.

[0119]Now, a second exemplary modification is described with reference to
FIGS. 17 and 18. As shown, an image reading device 50b of the second
modification includes a belt guide mechanism 320 serving as an opposing
guide arranged opposing and apart from the platen glass by a distance H.
The belt guide mechanism 320 includes a guide belt 323 suspended by drive
and driven rollers 3.22 and 321. Further arranged is a charge device
serving as an absorption device that has a charge roller 324 that
contacts the outer circumferential surface of the guide belt 323 and a
power supply 325 that supplies a voltage to the charge roller 323. The
guide belt 323 travels counter clockwise being driven by the drive roller
322. The charge roller 324 is arranged outside an original document
absorption region of the guide belt 323.

[0120]The original document conveyed to the guide belt 323 by the reading
inlet roller pair 89 causes dielectric polarization due to an electric
field created by the guide belt 323. Thus, an electric charge having a
polarity opposite to that on the guide belt 323 is generated by the
dielectric polarization on the guide belt side of the original document,
so that the original document is electrostatically absorbed onto the
guide belt 323. The original document absorbed to the guide belt 323
passes through the reading position as the guide belt 323 travels, and is
conveyed apart from the platen glass 154 by a distance H as a result. The
original document conveyed to the suspension section of the drive roller
322 passing through the reading position separates from the guide belt
323 due to curvature and moves toward the downstream side guide member
91. Thus, also in the second modification, the original document can be
conveyed with the distance H from the platen glass 154 at the reading
position. Since the original document does not sliding contacts the
platen glass 154, the dust or the like attracting to the original
document does not attract to the reading position of the platen glass 154
even the contact sliding occurs.

[0121]Instead of the electrostatic absorption, air suction force can be
used to absorb the original document on conveyance onto the guide belt
323. In such a situation, plural suction holes are formed on the guide
belt 323, and a suction device as shown in FIG. 8 is provided to suction
air via the suction holes in a region opposing the platen glass 154.

[0122]In such a situation, as shown in FIG. 19, a distance Z from the
image reading sensor 151a to the original document needs to be calculated
by the below described formula, wherein L represents a distance from the
image reading sensor 151a to a focal point of the image reading sensor
151a, and ±a represents a depth of focus of the image reading sensor
151a;

L-a≦Z≦L+a

When the guide belt 323 attracts and conveys the original document and the
original document either rises at the reading position from the guide
belt 323 or is folded, and thus a distance Z deviates from the value
L±a or the like, an image is not focused and blurs.

[0123]As shown in FIG. 20, a focal point of an image reading sensor 151a
is preferably placed on the original document conveyance surface. Thus, a
distance X from the image reading sensor 151a to the surface of the guide
belt 323 should meet the following formula, wherein a thickness of the
original document is represented by D;

X=L+D

However, when the depth of focus "a" of the image reading sensor 151a is
extraordinarily small and a thick paper is used, the distance Z2 from the
position of the original document image to the image reading sensor 151a
is smaller than the value L-a. Thus, the original document image is not
focused sometimes as shown by a dotted line. As a result, a read image
likely blurs.

[0124]Then, the thickness of the original document on conveyance is
detected and the belt guide mechanism 320 may be moved up and down based
on the detection result.

[0125]As shown in FIG. 21, the thickness detection device employs a
transmission light intensity measuring system 350 that measures intensity
of transmission light transmitting the original document. The
transmission light intensity measuring system 350 includes a light
generation device 351 that outputs a prescribed light intensity, a light
reception device 352 that detects the light intensity, each arranged to
sandwich the original document as a detection target and to measure
transmission light intensity in the thickness direction of the original
document. Plural control devices are connected to the light generation
reception devices 351 and 352, respectively, and measure permission light
intensity and specify a thickness of the original document conveyed
thereto. The thickness detection device can be arranged on the original
document conveyance path such as positions C and D in FIG. 17.

[0126]The above-mentioned up and down moving device has the following
configuration. Specifically, a movement casing, not shown, including a
drive motor, not shown, for driving the belt guide mechanism 320, the
charge roller 324, the power supply 325, and the drive roller 322, is
vertically movably supported on the main body cover 52 of the ADF 51. The
moving device moves the belt guide mechanism 320 up and down by moving
the movement casing up and down.

[0127]When the thickness of an original document on conveyance is detected
by the thickness detection device at the registration section C or the
turn section D, the main body control section 200 moves the belt guide
mechanism up and down so that a distance from an image of the original
document absorbed on the guide belt 323 to the image reading sensor 151a
becomes the value L. Thus, even when the original document is thick, the
original document image can be in focus, and a high quality image can be
obtained.

[0128]Further, the original document sometimes includes cut and paste
portions, and the thickness is accordingly uneven in the sub scanning
direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the thickness detection device
detects the maximum and minimum values Dmax and Dmin of the original
document, respectively, and can control the belt guide 320 to move so
that the distance X from the image reading sensor 151a to the guide belt
323 meets the following formula:

L+{(Dmax+Dmin)/2}

Further, when the sum of Dmax+Dmin is larger than the depth of focus "2a",
there exists a section not focused. Thus, in such a situation, alarm is
generated and messages indicating that whether or not reading is
continued are displayed on a display, not shown.

[0129]Further, thickness information of the original document can be
detected at few points and are averaged. In such a situation, the belt
guide mechanism 320 is controlled to move so that the distance X from the
image reading sensor 151a to the guide belt 323 meets the following
formula:

X=L+{(D1+D2+ . . . Dn)/2}

When the length of the original document in the sub scan direction is
long, a detection number n is reached and the distance X is calculated,
so that movement of the belt guide mechanism 320 is controlled, before
the trailing end of the original document is detected

[0130]Further, in accordance with the thickness of the original document,
belt guide mechanism 320 can be linearly moved. Specifically, when a
section thicker than the other section due to the cut and paste arrives
at the reading position, the belt guide mechanism 320 is lifted upward.
When the thicker section passes through the reading position, the belt
guide mechanism 320 is moved downward. Thus, the image reading sensor
151a can always be focused on the original document image, and a high
quality image can be obtained.

[0131]Further, light intensity sometime changes or brightness thereof
sometime becomes uneven as time elapses depending on types of the light
source 151a and 151c. Then, to correct these changes and unevenness,
shading correction is generally executed. The shading correction is
generally executed using a white plate arranged at one end of the platen
glass 154. Specifically, a fixed type first surface reading section 151
is arranged opposing the white plate and reads thereof. The shading
correction is then executed based on the data read by the fixed type
first surface reading section 151. However, since the image reading
sensor 151a is in focus in the vicinity of the guide belt and is not on
the platen glass 154 in the above-mentioned embodiments. Thus, the white
plate arranged at the one end section of the platen glass 154 is not
focused. Since data of reflection light from the section not in focus is
different from that in focus, a precise shading correction is impossible.
Then, the white plate is withdrawn from the original document conveyance
path when an image is read, and is moved to the original document
conveyance pass right below the guide belt when the shading correction is
executed to obtain reflection data. However, a time for moving the white
plate is wasted, and as a result, the shading correction is prolonged. As
a result, a number of original document processing per hour decreases if
shading correction is executed every when a prescribed number of original
document images has been read. In addition, a space is needed for
accommodating the white plate in the deviated position, thereby the
apparatus becomes mammoth

[0132]Then, the guide belt 323 is painted white and is read, so that
shading correction can be executed based on read data. Specifically, when
shading correction is executed at a prescribed time after a prescribed
number of original documents have been read, the belt guide mechanism 320
moves, so that a distance from the surface of the guide belt 323 to the
image reading sensor 151a corresponds to the value L starting from the
image reading sensor 151a to the focal point as shown in FIG. 23. Then, a
light is emitted to the surface of the guide belt, and a reflection light
therefrom is read by the image reading sensor 151a to obtain shading
data. Thus, shading data can be obtained from a section in focus, and
accordingly, the shading correction can be precisely executed. Since the
extra white plate is not needed, a number of parts can be decreased,
thereby cost and space can be saved. Further, since it is enough for the
guide belt 323 to slightly move up and down, the shading correction can
be quickly completed.

[0133]Further, the correction can be executed while the guide belt 323 is
moved up and down within the depth of focus of image reading sensor 151.
Otherwise, the shading correction can be executed at plural points within
the depth of focus of image reading sensor 151. Specifically, when the
shading correction starts, the belt guide 320 is moved so that the
surface of the guide belt 323 comes to the upper limit of the depth of
focus as shown in FIG. 24A. Then, the belt guide mechanism 320 is moved
so that the surface of the guide belt 323 comes to the lower limit of the
depth of focus as shown in FIG. 24B. Thus, the shading correction data
can be obtained within the depth of focus of image reading sensor 151a.
As a result, even when the thickness of the original document is uneven,
the shading correction can be executed precisely at plural positions by
cooperating with the thickness detection device, so that a high quality
read image can be obtained.

[0134]Further, due to the shape as shown in FIG. 18, the original document
is conveyed not being absorbed to the guide belt 323 for some reason, the
original document likely collides with the end section of the downstream
side guide member 91. Thus, as shown in FIG. 25, similar to that shown in
FIG. 10, a gap between the up and downstream side guide members 97 and 91
can be a slit state. As a result, even when the original document is not
absorbed to the guide belt 323, the original document is preferably
conveyed being guided by the up and downstream side guide members 97 and
91. Further, the dust or paper powder attracting to the original document
can be suppressed to drop at the reading position of the platen glass
154. Further, as shown in FIG. 26, the gap can be the taper shape with
its diameter expanding toward the platen glass 154. Further, the up and
downstream side guide members 97 and 91 can be totally or partially
transparent at around the reading position as shown in FIG. 27. Further,
as shown in FIG. 28, the conveyance path from the reading inlet roller
pair 89 to the reading outlet roller pair 92 can be parallel to the
surface of the platen glass 154.

[0135]Further, as shown in FIG. 29, similar to the example as described
with reference to FIG. 13, the up and downstream side guide members 97
and 91 can freely swingably be supported by the main body cover 52.
Further, as shown in FIG. 30, swinging movement of the up and downstream
side guide members 97 and 91 due to their own weights can be restricted
by springs 311 and 312, respectively. When the ADF 51 is open and the up
and downstream side guide members 97 and 91 swing due to their own
weights, the guide belt is exposed. As mentioned above, when the surface
of the guide belt is used in shading correction, it is not preferable
that an operator touches and contaminates or cut the surface of the guide
belt 323. Specifically, when the guide belt 323 is contaminated or cut,
data for the shading correction is not precisely obtained therefrom
resulting in deterioration of a read image. Thus, when the ADF 51 is
open, the belt guide mechanism 320 is moved and deviated upward as shown
in FIG. 29. As a result, since the guide belt 323 is deviated to a rear
side section, the operator is prevented from carelessly touching the
guide belt 323. As a result, the surface of the guide belt can suppress
its contamination or cut.

[0136]The guide belt 323 is also preferably deviated to the rear side
after an image reading operation is completed to stay there when the
power supply is turned off and the ADF 51 is open.

[0137]As mentioned heretofore, the original document reading device 50 is
a sheet through type in which an original document is conveyed to the
fixed first surface reading section 151 and is read at a reading
position. Specifically, the original document reading device 50 includes
the ADF 51 that conveys the original document keeping a prescribed
distance from the platen glass 154 at the reading position. Thus, due to
the prescribed gap, the original document does not sliding contacts the
platen glass 154. As a result, the dust of the like attracting to the
original document does not attract to the reading position of the platen
glass 154 by the sliding contact. Further, the original document reading
device 50 arranges the platen glass 154 outside the depth of focus of the
fixed first surface reading section 151. Thus, even attracting to the
reading position of the platen glass 154, dust or the like almost blurs
when read. Otherwise, the dust or the like only causes a thin blurring
line on the read image. Accordingly, the line caused by the dust or the
like on the reading position cannot be noticeable in comparison with a
case when the platen glass 154 is arranged within the depth of focus at
the fixed first surface reading section 151.

[0138]Further, according to the image reading device of the modification,
the ADF 51 includes a guide belt 323, the surface of which opposing the
contact glass 154 at the reading position moves in an original document
conveyance direction, and an absorption device that attracts the original
document to the guide belt 323. Thus, the original document attracts to
the guide belt 323 and is conveyed. Accordingly, a change of the distance
from the image of the original document to the fixed first surface
reading section at the reading position can be prevented and the original
document image is not deviated from the depth of focus at the fixed first
surface reading section. As a result, a high quality image can be
obtained as a result of reading.

[0139]Further, by absorbing the original document to the guide belt 323
with electrostatic attraction force of the charge device, the original
document is absorbed and conveyed by the guide belt 323.

[0140]Further, by absorbing the original document to the guide belt 323
with air suction attraction force of the absorption device, the original
document is also absorbed and is conveyed by to the guide belt 323.

[0141]The image reading device of the modification causes the guide belt
323 to move vertically in accordance with a detection result of the
thickness detection device. Thus, even when a thick original document or
a thickness uneven original document in the sub scanning direction is
used, the original document can be conveyed with its image surface
entering the depth of focus of the fixed first surface reading section
151. As a result, even when the thick original document or the thickness
uneven original document in the sub scanning direction is used, a high
quality image can be obtained.

[0142]Further, since the image reading device of the modification executes
shading using the surface of the guide belt 323, the white plate can be
omitted. Thus, a number of parts can be decreased, and accordingly, the
apparatus can be downsized saving cost. Further, by vertically shifting
the guide belt 323 during a shading operation, the surface of the guide
belt 323 can be focused on the fixed first surface reading section.
Otherwise, data for shading use can be obtained at each of positions
within a range of the depth of focus at the fixed first surface reading
section. As a result, the shading operation can be precise.

[0143]Further, since the guide belt 323 is shifted separating from the
platen glass 154 when exposed, the operator is prevented from improperly
touching and making the cut and stein on the guide belt 323.

[0144]Further more, since the guide belt 323 is shifted separating from
the platen glass 154 when a reading operation is completed, the operator
is prevented from improperly touching and making cut and stein on the
guide belt 323.

[0145]Further, the ADF 51 includes a upstream side guide member 97
arranged adjacent and upstream of the reading position to constitute the
lower surface of the original document conveyance path, and a down stream
side guide member 91 arranged adjacent and down stream of the reading
position to constitute the lower surface of the original document
conveyance path. In addition, the gap between the up and the downstream
side guide members 97 and 91 is adjusted to be larger than that needed
for the fixed first surface reading section 151 to read an original
document image, and is adjusted to be less than that where the original
document conveyance path does not deviate from the depth of focus at the
reading position. Accordingly, a high quality image can be obtained.

[0146]Further, by making the gap between the up and downstream side guide
members 97 and 91 like a slit, the general dust and paper dust attracting
to the original document on conveyance can be suppressed to drop onto the
platen glass.

[0147]Further, by making the gap between the up and down stream side guide
members 97 and 91 like a taper, a diameter of which increases toward the
platen glass 154, the gap can be more narrowed on the original document
conveyance path side. Thus, the general dust and paper dust attracting to
the original document on conveyance can be suppressed to drop onto the
platen glass without interfering the light at the fixed first surface
reading section.

[0148]The up and downstream side guide members 97 and 91 are attached to
the main body cover 52 that includes the upper side guide members
opposing to the respective of those. Thus, different from a system in
which the up and down stream side guide members 97 and 91 are arranged on
another casing than the upper side guide member, accumulation of parts
allowances can be suppressed. Thus, the interval between the upper side
guide member and the original document conveyance path hardly increases,
and thus the original document conveyance path rarely changes. Otherwise,
the interval therebetween hardly decreases, and thus sheet jam rarely
occurs.

[0149]Further, since one of the up and downstream side guide members 97
and 91 is attached to the main body cover 52, the original document
conveyance path can be exposed when the ADF is open and none of the up
and down stream side guide members 97 and 91 swings in a prescribed
direction. Thus, the original document jamming in the vicinity of the
reading position can be readily removed.

[0150]Further, since one of the up and down stream side guide members 97
and 91 automatically swings when the ADF 51 is open, the original
document jamming in the vicinity of the reading position can be more
readily removed than when manually swinging thereof.

[0151]Further, a restriction device is arranged to restrict the up and
downstream side guide members 97 and 91 not to swing more than a
prescribed level in relation to the main body cover 52. Thus, when the
ADF 51 is closed, the lower surface of the guide member contacts the
upper surface of the scanner, and accordingly, the ADF 51 highly
precisely swings in a direction to close the original document conveyance
path.

[0152]Further, positioning protrusions are arranged opposing to the upper
side guide members contacting thereto to execute positioning when the ADF
51 is closed. Thus, a prescribed interval can be maintained between the
guide members and the upper side guides, so that a stable original
document conveyance can be achieved.

[0153]Further, since the up and downstream side guide members 97 and 91
are transparent, the light generated by the fixed first surface reading
section can be emitted onto the original document image even if these
guides are arranged on the light path extending from the fixed first
surface reading section. Thus, the gap between these guides 97 and 91 can
be more narrowed, so that a dust or the like is more efficiently
suppressed to drop on the platen glass 154.

[0154]Further, since the up and down stream side guide members 97 and 91
are partially transparent in the vicinity of the reading position in the
entire main scanning direction, the gap between these guides 97 and 91
can be yet more narrowed and suppress the light emitted from other than
the fixed first surface reading section to enter. As a result, block
color correction can be more precisely executed.

[0155]Further, a conveyance path starting from a reading inlet roller pair
89 arranged at the most down stream side among the conveyance roller pair
arranged upstream of the reading position to a reading outlet roller pair
92 arranged most upstream side among the conveyance roller pair arranged
down stream of the reading position is formed in parallel to the platen
glass 154. Thus, behavior of the original document on conveyance can be
appropriately controlled at the reading position, so that a high quality
image can be obtained as a result of reading.

[0156]Further, since the copier of the several embodiments includes the
original document reading device, a high quality image can be copied.

ADVANTAGE

[0157]According to one typical embodiment of the present invention, the
original document does not slide contacts the platen glass, and
accordingly, dust or the like attracting to the original document does
not attract thereto.

[0158]Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims,
the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein.